Reports Wednesday night said the nine-year veteran would likely become a Jaguar but then his hometown Denver Broncos entered the mix early Thursday.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported via Twitter that Campbell could take less money to go back to his birthplace of Denver.

A tweet from Josina Anderson of ESPN said Campbell wrote in a text, “Chose (Jaguars) because Tom Coughlin is a winner, they brought in two other big free agents and they also have been drafting well the last few years. They are a young and hungry defense that I want to lead.”

Arizona drafted Campbell with its second-round pick (50th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft, and the defensive end spent the next nine seasons with the Cardinals, twice going to the Pro Bowl (2014-15) and twice earning Second-Team All-Pro honors (2014, 2016).

The 30-year-old, approaching what will be his third NFL contract, continued to produce in 2016, making 53 total tackles to go with eight sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception. That production had Pro Football Focus name Campbell as the second highest-graded interior defensive lineman this season.

And that ended up setting Campbell up for what looks to be another big payday — one the Cardinals weren’t willing to offer with other priorities in free agency.

Broncos didn't get in on Calais Campbell until last night, per source. By then he was close to deal with JAX, but nothing final. #9sports